Offertory Prayers and Invitation for February 2017

Each month’s Offertory Prayers includes an “Invitation to the Offering” (see below) along with a digital image for those who might want to use it. We hope you will find this a helpful way to remind the people in your pews that their offering travels to many places to make a powerful difference in the lives of people they may never meet. You can find great stories of the difference our giving makes at http://umcgiving.org

Invitation to the Offering

The offering you made last week empowered ministry within our congregation and in response to the needs of our community. It also helped support the work of ministries beyond the local church that reach people who are in desperate need to feel the touch of love and reconciliation. Through our connectional giving, we provide for the development of resources that help strengthen and grow the church in the Central Conferences (outside the U.S.) through Discipleship Resources International, a unit of Discipleship Ministries. The goal is get print and electronic resources into the hands of church leaders in areas of Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Philippines. The resources are not only repurposed content from churches in the U.S., but new resources written and published by teams of local scholars in these contexts. This ministry happens thanks to the generous support of United Methodists like you. I invite you once again to give generously as we worship God through sharing our gifts, tithes, and offerings.

Learn more about the work of Discipleship Resources International »

February 5, 2017­ – Fifth Sunday After the Epiphany

Our Heavenly Father, with great kindness you lead your people. You give wisdom to help us recognize Christ as the Lord of glory. Enlighten us by your Spirit to discern how to use the gifts that you have bestowed on us. May all of our church’s ministries serve as channels of your powerful grace to people in need of help. We dedicate these tithes and offerings through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. Amen. (1 Corinthians 2:1-16)

February 12, 2017 – Sixth Sunday After the Epiphany (Boy Scout Sunday)

God, our teacher, you graciously provide direction to guide us through Scripture. Thank you for the joy we feel when we do what is right and live according to your ways. By your Spirit, nurture our growth as individuals and as a congregation. Let our community of faith readily share with our neighbors the love of your Son, our Savior. Accept our offerings in his name. Amen. (Psalm 119:1-8)

February 19, 2017­ – Seventh Sunday After the Epiphany

Holy God, you give generous blessings and fill our hearts with gratitude. Empower us to respond joyfully, sharing in ministry with those who are hungry for food and those who thirst for spiritual refreshment. May our community of faith reflect more fully the priorities of the kingdom of God, even as we look forward to Christ’s return. Receive our gifts and offerings for the sake of Christ our Lord. Amen. (Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18)

February 26, 2017 – Eighth Sunday After the Epiphany/Transfiguration of the Lord

Majestic God, your glory is far greater than we can describe! We praise and worship you. Thank you for sending your Son Jesus to reveal the light of your will. Please help us to listen closely to your Word and Spirit. Soften our hearts so that our church’s witness may contribute to more people drawing near to you in faith. We commit ourselves anew to your service through our gifts and offerings. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Matthew 17:1-9)